Finishing touches put on new ice skating loop at one of oldest parks in Mississauga

The finishing touches are being put on a new outdoor ice skating loop that’s expected to open to the public in time for the holiday season at one of Mississauga’s oldest and most popular parks.

Mississauga Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko took to social media over the weekend to let residents know that all seems to be on schedule so visitors to Port Credit Memorial Park will be able to lace up their ice skates for a trip or two around the outdoor space starting on Dec. 15.

“The refrigerated rink in Port Credit Memorial Park I had commissioned is really starting to take shape,” the councillor wrote. “Very excited to have everyone skating on it this winter season. The gazebo is also getting refreshed.” 

One person who responded to Dasko’s online update said: “Can’t wait to try this out. Great project.”

When it opens, the Port Credit Skating Loop will offer people a 220-metre-long artificial ice skating path located to the immediate east of the Credit River.

A glycol cooling system was used to construct the path, officials say. That system is becoming more common these days as it provides a number of benefits, including that it helps prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather.

Diagram shows the layout of the new ice skating path at Port Credit Memorial Park. (Image: City of Mississauga)

The path will also be used as a walking path during summer, Dasko told the community via social media when plans were unveiled in late 2022.

At the August 2022 unveiling, several residents said the new ice skating path is a welcome addition to the community, representing the realization of a “longtime community dream.”

Port Credit Memorial Park is located along the Credit River just as it empties into Lake Ontario. It’s a popular location for many festivals and events and also features picnic areas, a skateboarding park, accessible playground and basketball nets.

Port Credit Library and Port Credit Memorial Arena, which opened more than 50 years ago, are located right by the park.

The gazebo at Port Credit Memorial Park was also “refreshed” as part of work on the new ice skating path. (Photo: Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko social media)